Universal Studios Hollywood has shifted into top gear. Today marks the grand opening of Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, the theme park's eagerly awaited first outdoor, high-speed roller coaster.
Delivering an unprecedented surge of adrenaline, the all-new attraction brings a fresh level of intensity to the destination, unlike anything experienced in the park's decades-long history.
Grand Opening Celebrations
The opening celebrations kicked off with a lively opening ceremony hosted by actor Milo Manheim. Fans were welcomed to the historic lot by Universal Destinations & Experiences Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mark Woodbury, and Universal Studios Hollywood Vice President Scott Strobl, celebrating a monumental milestone for the resort.
High-Octane Design and Technology
Arriving as the fastest roller coaster in the Universal Destinations & Experiences portfolio, the attraction celebrates the $7 billion Fast & Furious franchise, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary. Situated on the Upper Lot, the coaster's ride station is housed within an expansive red brick-garage-like structure. Two stationary, photo op prop car reproductions welcome guests just outside the entrance archway. Inside the queue, visitors can experience a technological first: a portion of the ride track races directly through a transparent encased section, instantly building anticipation.
Thrills, Speeds, and 360-Degree Drifting
The coaster uses a unique dual-launching, split-ride track that alternates trains from dispatch. Guests are propelled on an adventure taking them over and under portions of the multilevel Starway escalator, through four spectacular launches, an inverted dive loop, a twisted pretzel loop, and an inverted stall. Reaching speeds of up to 72 MPH and pulling up to 3.6 Gs along 4,100 feet of elaborate aerial track, the coaster features sound-reduction technology while ride vehicles drift at 360 degrees.
Iconic Vehicles and Artwork
Thrill seekers are secured with a lap-bar harness into one of four iconic Fast Saga ride vehicles modeled after favorites from the film series: the Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and the Toyota Supra. The arrival platform features an all-original, large-scale mural created by world-renowned artist Tristan Eaton, depicting the finale street racing action scene from 2001’s The Fast and the Furious. An additional Eaton mural is displayed within the queue as a tribute to the entire film franchise.
Each ride vehicle is equipped with a fully independent audio system, surrounding passengers with true-to-type engine and sound effects unique to their specific car. Because each vehicle is fully rotational and independently programmed to drift in motion along the train, guests can enjoy four varying experiences depending on their seating.
Engineering Around the Terrain
Universal Creative has skillfully transformed the hillside terrain into the backbone of the coaster, utilising natural contours and vistas as both the structural base and a defining design element, delivering breathtaking panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley, the active movie studio, and the theme park.
Movie Props and Behind-the-Scenes Access
The queue line guides guests through an environment filled with recreated props from the films, including the car driven by Brian O’Conner in Fast & Furious 6, the vault truck from Fast 5, and Letty Ortiz’s motorcycle from F9. Select displays feature QR codes that visitors can scan to access behind-the-scenes insights via Universal's Backlot Club, the fan engagement site.
Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift is open now at Universal Studios Hollywood, inviting fans to experience the ultimate high-speed cinema-inspired thrill.
